a next move

USAGE SUMMARY

"a next move" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used to refer to the next step or action to be taken in a situation or decision-making process. Example: "After careful consideration, the team decided that their next move would be to focus on improving their marketing strategy in order to increase sales."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

I didn't think there was a next move.

The New York Times

"I will have a next move if and when Chelsea decides it's time for that.

Independent

It's regrouping, analyzing the past two months and hashing out a next move.

The Guardian

Privately, some Republican insiders are contemplating a next move for Coleman if he comes up short in the recount.

The Washington Post

"I'm not here thinking about my next move because I don't want to have a next move," he told the Evening Standard.

Independent

For producers, of course, a next move might be to withdraw their residuals plan, possibly in return for a private assurance that writers would respond with a similar movement, and perhaps in time to undercut the strike authorization vote.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

Plato's paradigms in the Sophist and Statesman typically reveal a productive next move or series of moves in an investigation.

SEP

The deal with Scientific-Atlanta is a natural next move.

The Economist

Fashion didn't seem like a likely next move.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Raising the minimum wage was a logical next move.

The New York Times

"It always seemed like a logical next move," Mr. Meyers said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a next move" to clearly indicate the immediate action or decision to be taken in a specific situation.

Common error

Avoid using "a next move" repeatedly within a short span of writing. Vary your language by incorporating synonyms such as "the subsequent step" or "a future action" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a next move" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It typically acts as the subject or object of a sentence, referring to an action or decision that follows a preceding one. Ludwig shows that it indicates an upcoming course of action in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a next move" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to denote a subsequent action or decision. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in various contexts. It's primarily found in news and media, but also appears in scientific and business writing. To avoid repetition, consider using alternatives such as "a subsequent step" or "a future action". When using the phrase, be mindful of the context to ensure it accurately conveys the intended meaning of a progression or a strategy.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a subsequent step

Focuses on the sequential aspect of the action, emphasizing that it follows something else.

a following action

Similar to "a subsequent step", but with a slightly broader scope, encompassing any action that comes after another.

a future action

Highlights that the action will occur in the future, without necessarily implying a direct connection to a previous action.

a planned strategy

Emphasizes the deliberate and calculated nature of the action.

an upcoming decision

Focuses specifically on the decision-making aspect, implying that a choice is forthcoming.

a further measure

Suggests an action taken to advance a particular goal or objective.

the immediate course of action

Highlights the urgency and necessity of taking the next step.

a succeeding maneuver

Implies a skillful or strategic action that follows a previous one.

a tactical response

Emphasizes the reactive nature of the action, suggesting it is a response to a previous event.

a consequential act

Stresses the importance or significance of the action that is taken.

FAQs

How can I use "a next move" in a sentence?

You can use "a next move" to describe the subsequent action or decision someone makes in a given situation. For example: "After the initial setback, the company needed to carefully consider "a next move"."

What are some alternatives to "a next move"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "a subsequent step", "a future action", or "a planned strategy" instead of "a next move".

Is it always necessary to include the article "a" before "next move"?

While "next move" can sometimes be used without the article, including "a" is generally more common and grammatically sound, especially when referring to a specific, identifiable action. Without the article, the phrase might imply a more general concept rather than a concrete plan.

What's the difference between "a next move" and "the next move"?

"A next move" suggests one of several possible actions, implying less certainty. "The next move" suggests a single, predetermined action, indicating greater certainty or a more specific plan.